Introduction"Although it feels solid and hard beneath our feet, the outer surface
of the Earth is a thin crust of fragile rock, fractured like the cracked
shell of an egg. The pieces of the shell are Earth's tectonic plates --
there are 12 major ones --and they float across a layer of soft rock like
rafts in a stream, their motions driven by forces generated deep in the
Earth. At their boundaries, the plates spread apart, converge, and slide
past one another....Hot springs spew out mineral-rich waters, volcanoes
erupt, and earthquakes tremble -- resulting in devastating tsunamis, floods,
and mudslides."
-
Savage Earth

ObjectivesStudents will:

conduct real research on earthquakes, volcano's and tsunamis

analyze and intrerpret data and information collected on earthquakes, volcano's
and tsunamis

discover, through the collection of scientific data, relationships between
earthquake, volcano, and tsunami activity, land topography, theories, and
ecosystems.

Today's task is to conduct real research on volcanoes, earthquakes,
and tsunamis by answering questions and using the research links provided
below:

Interpret the data on earthquakes in Maryland. Describe your theory
of why certain areas of Maryland have more or less earthquake activity.
Support your answer with specific facts of: fault lines, topography, tectonic
plates and actual tremor activity.

Interpret the data on earthquakes and volcanoes in the United States. Describe
your theory of why certain areas of the United States have more or less
earthquake activity. Support your answer with specific facts of fault
lines, topography, tectonic plates, and actual tremor activity.

How do earthquakes and volcanoes effect ecosystems?

What correlation is there between fault lines, tectonic plates, and the
topography (such as mountains, rivers, etc.) of the land?

How is the Japanese theory of the "Giant Catfish" or another cultural theory
related to science explanation of earthquakes?

Describe how you think (see photo in textbook) early earthquake measuring
device predicted and/or measured earthquake tremors. (You may also select
a different piece of equipment such as the seismograph.)

Create a demonstration or visual illustration of an actual earthquake.
Make sure you incorporate as much scientific measurement, data, and actual
events that would take place in a real quake.

Based on your research what are your predictions (in the future) of how
the earth will change due to earthquake activity.

Dr. Jay's Java Earthquake Simulator
"Before there were seismometers which could measure the vibration of the earth caused by earthquakes, scientists used descriptive measures of the effects of the vibration as a means of quantifying their size or severity. One of the first intensity scales was developed by the Italian scientist De Rossi and the Swiss scientist Forel, known as the Rossi-Forrel scale. In 1902 the Italian scientist Mercalli improved this
scale, and in 1931 the American scientists H.O. Wood and F. Neumann adapted the scale for use in
California. The scale is now known as the Modified Mercalli Intensity scale" - Dr. Jay J. Pulli
Click below to experience what it feels like to be in an earthquake!Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale of Earthquake Damage Research Links